Prabhat Prakash

The Noida-headquartered global film maker used Interpack 2026 in Dusseldorf to reinforce its flexible packaging credentials, co-exhibiting with Taghleef Industries and presenting its expanded sustainability portfolio.

The brand showcased wash-off label technology, SRTF double-sided printing, rPET recyclable substrates, and a cotton-based tree-free paper at Respack 2026, while highlighting its backward-integrated substrate production, UV LED energy efficiency, and strong growth momentum in India's alcobev sector.

At Respack 2026, the company showcased its in-mould label expertise, highlighting a dedicated IML plant at Taloja with three lines running at up to 85% capacity, targeting 200-crore units this year and South-East Asian expansion within two years.

A hotter-than-normal summer is forecasted to boost soft drink majors’ revenues by as much as 15% year-over-year

UFlex showcased premium sustainable beauty solutions at CMPL, combining PCR-integrated laminates, mono-material PE tubes, and hyper nano with anti-counterfeiting features.

The company showcased tactile psychological-effect labels, textured shrink sleeves and an invisible anti-counterfeiting barcode nearing commercialisation.

The company showcased laminated pouches, including flat-bottom and window formats, alongside PP woven sacks across food, dairy and agro segments, with digital printing for short runs.

S Kumar showcased embellished labels, cartons and swing sleeves at CMPL 2026, backed by early digital press adoption, a 48-hour turnaround capability and a pan-India customer base exceeding 5,000 brands across its Ahmedabad and Indore facilities.

Amay Goyal, director of Apple Flexipack, spoke to WhatPackaging? at CMPL 2026, offering a glimpse into the Indore-based converter's wide-ranging capabilities across flexible packaging, woven bags and monocartons.

Mahipal Choudhary, director of Boxcraft, spoke to WhatPackaging? at CMPL 2026, tracing the Gurugram-based rigid box maker's journey from a one-customer operation to a fast-growing converter serving some of India's most recognisable personal care and fragrance brands.

The company promises customers a finished mockup within one hour of design approval, covering the full breadth of its product range including visiting cards, packaging and rigid boxes.

The product spread on display was comprehensive: pouches, rigid boxes, canisters, labels, and shrink sleeves, all under one roof. What set the stall apart, however, was the immersive technology anchoring it.

Capital-A, the operator-led venture capital firm specialising in manufacturing and deep tech, has successfully completed the first close of its second fund at INR160 crore.

This participation marks the second time Plexconcil has organised the India Pavilion at Interpack, signifying a period of continuity and increasing confidence in the global positioning of the Indian industry.

According to the latest sector analysis from Avendus Capital, the Indian market is currently the fastest-growing globally, projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 9% to reach a valuation of USD 92-billion by FY30

Driven by stringent sustainability mandates and volatile shifts in consumer behaviour, the landscape is being rebuilt around the principles of circularity and high-tech utility

At the heart of this evolution is a tightening regulatory environment, most notably the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework, which is fundamentally reshaping the economics of material choice and design

As the fastest-growing packaging market globally, India is projected to expand at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 9% over the next decade, a trajectory that closely mirrors a multi-decadal consumption-led growth story

The world of packaging and processing is already buzzing for Interpack 2026 in Dusseldorf from 7 to 13 May, an event often described as the “Olympics of packaging”

While public health victories are celebrated, the shadow economy of fake medication continues to undermine global trust and inflict deadly costs, forcing an industry-wide pivot towards sophisticated, secure packaging.

This debut by the Kochi-based Anoop V marks the first publication from Arundhati Books, a new venture started by industry veteran O Venugopal.

The 2026 edition of PaintIndia indicated that the period of approximate chemistry is ending. Visitors observed displays and instrumentation where the technical focus has moved from visual appeal toward the metrics governing performance

By prioritising tonality and grey balance over traditional density, G7 ensures global brand consistency and operational efficiency

The recent open house, held on the heels of a successful showing at Plastindia, served as a live testament to Echaar’s success. It showcased the Flexosmart HR-300, a gearless eight-colour CI press equipped with an additional inline coating station —a rare offering globally.

This efficiency does more than just save labour; it reduces the need for an extensive inventory of spare parts, as clean components return to the press in a fraction of the time. Furthermore, automation serves a critical safety function by limiting employee exposure to volatile solvents, a factor increasingly scrutinised by global regulatory bodies.

As India’s gig economy accelerates, the push for hyper-efficient packaging and rapid deliveries is exposing a human cost—where algorithms optimise boxes and routes, but delivery riders shoulder the risk, exhaustion, and economic uncertainty.

Global Rotogravure Association (GRA) president Simon Sonn and secretary Stefani Dhami addressed an audience of industry stakeholders, manufacturers, and technical experts to discuss the organisation’s expansion into emerging markets and its mission to unify the international printing value chain.

The Rajkot-based manufacturer recently completed sales to Sneha Packers in Bengaluru and Fine Packaging in Aurangabad, signalling a shift toward advanced electronic line shaft technology among regional converters

At PlastIndia 2026, Lohia Corp is presenting a thesis for the country's next-generation manufacturing, centred on the absolute necessity of intelligence and precision.

OQ, the global energy investment group rooted in Oman, is utilising its presence at PlastIndia 2026 to reinforce Oman-India trade and investment ties and showcase its commitment to the Indian polymers and petrochemicals market.

Ankit Tanna who is the joint managing director at Printmann, has launched a critique of the decades-old label, arguing that the term "converter" is not only outdated but "insulting" to the modern capabilities of the world-class Indian packaging industry.

The centrepiece of TCPL’s expansion strategy is the commissioning of its Chennai greenfield facility, a strategic gateway aimed at bolstering the company’s export capabilities and serving the industrial manufacturing hubs in South India.

The expansion is part of a larger INR 1,180-crore capital expenditure programme executed over the last three years to bolster its global footprint and speciality film dominance.

This collaborative initiative aims to equip a new generation of professionals with the technical acumen and strategic foresight necessary to navigate the complexities of circular economy systems and evolving material sciences.

The core of AGI Greenpac's innovation lies in its R&D efforts aimed at solving critical safety issues, particularly in the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors.

The company’s approach to the beauty segment is driven by a need to harmonise high-definition decoration with the emerging rigours of the circular economy.

During the Parliament Winter Session: a member of parliament addressed the Upper House, highlighting the struggles of delivery riders, gig workers, and urban service professionals. Citing Zomato, Swiggy, Blinkit, Ola, Uber, and Urban Company employees, he demanded dignity, protection, and fair wages, urging the government to act immediately for these frontline workers. Prabhat Prakash reports

Discussions across seven panels revealed that the pharmaceutical and healthcare sector, driven by stringent safety and compliance needs, is carving a distinct and highly innovative path toward circularity.

The Pack.Nxt 2025 Awards recognised excellence across several categories, highlighting breakthrough innovations in plastic-free, recyclable, and resource-efficient solutions.

The Pack.Nxt conference at The Lalit on 16 December brought together industry pioneers, innovators, and regulators for a day-long deep dive into the urgent theme: Circular economy in packaging.

The global ecosystem is maturing with startups and established brands leveraging intelligent packaging for authentication and supply chain visibility. At the Pack.Nxt conference, held on 16 December at The Lalit, Mumbai, industry leaders gathered to dissect the rapidly evolving ecosystem of smart packaging.

The second panel discussion at this year’s Pack.Nxt summit, held at The Lalti, Mumbai on 16 December, focused on the promise of a "circular economy" as well as corporate aspirations and the practicalities of the shop floor.

Flint Group, a leading supplier of inks and coatings to the global print and packaging industry, has released a new whitepaper to assist printers in navigating the increasingly complex landscape of food packaging regulations.

The PGP Glass focus at Cosmoprof was promotion of the use of lightweight bottles. The spokesperson told WhatPackaging? magazine that the latest variant of glass plays a crucial role in the circular economy by reducing the demand for virgin resources, minimising landfill waste, and delivering substantial reductions in carbon emissions.

The evolution of the Indian market serves as a primary driver for this expansion.

On the product innovation front, the company introduced the clear path pump, a sustainable dispensing solution manufactured at its Hyderabad plant.

The 2025 edition spanned 24,000-square-metres across five halls, marking an 8% increase compared to 2024. The event hosted 353 exhibitors and 800 brands from 23 countries and regions, showcasing the latest innovations across the beauty spectrum.

Trident Group, a leading manufacturer of agro-based, eco-smart paper, showcased its commitment to sustainability at the 17th International Exhibition and Conference on Pulp, Paper and Allied Industries (PaperEx 2025), held from 3-6 December 2025, at Yashobhoomi, Dwarka.

The one-day conference will shave 60 industry experts, representing the biggest names in FMCG, pharmaceuticals, eCommerce, and technology has been confirmed for the third edition of Pack.Nxt.

Vikram Mulmule, vice president of South Asia sales at JBT Marel, interacts with WhatPackaging? magazine, explaining how the new Pune Global Production Centre enhances Proseal’s market reach through local trials

Spanning the pharmaceutical value chain, from ingredients, excipients, and lab equipment to advanced pharma machinery and packaging. The expo focuses on India’s pharmaceutical sector that has the potential to scale from its current USD 30-billion export market to USD 130-billion by 2030.

The event is scheduled to take place from 19 to 21 February 2026 at the Pune International Exhibition & Convention Centre (PIECC) in Moshi, Pune.

A crucial step in this expansion was the recent acquisition of a Gujarat-based manufacturing company that also operates a Starlinger food-grade recycling line. To begin with, the entity will be renamed as Srichakra Safar Ecopet.

The collaboration focused on retrofitting DRL’s existing Wimco GAN 120 tube-filling machine with advanced digital verification systems, setting a new benchmark for pharma traceability and 21 CFR readiness.

The company is also pioneering the next generation of food-contact recycling by pushing the boundaries of what is mechanically recyclable.

The positive financial update comes alongside significant strategic moves, signalling Nupur Recyclers’ commitment to expansion and diversification within the recycling value chain.

During a live webinar on 4 November, the Federation of European Screen Printers Associations (FESPA) unveiled two new co-located events for its 2026 Barcelona show, along with strategy updates around sustainability, personalisation and automation

Operating exclusively on 100% recycled material with zero virgin input, the company’s mission is to convert complex plastic waste into high-quality, traceable industrial raw materials.

The company prides itself on its indigenous engineering, with its solutions being 100% built by Indian engineers in India. Ishitva was among the very first globally to apply AI to waste management and segregation.

At the recent Drinktec India event, industry leaders during a panel discussion on ‘Advances in supply chain and logistics, ensuring qualitative last mile connectivity’, on 14 November, highlighted that achieving this transformation hinges not just on automation but on successfully integrating technology with a human-centric approach, particularly in the crucial last mile of delivery.

Speakers highlighted the sector's importance in conserving natural resources, reducing emissions, and achieving the vision of Bharat 2047.

FSSAI is moving to boost the rigour of the nation’s food import system, announcing the Food Safety and Standards (Import) First Amendment Regulations, 2025. The new norms, which introduce key changes to testing protocols, are set to take effect on 1 May, 2026.

The global glass industry is at a pivotal juncture, grappling with the imperative of sustainability while navigating economic complexities. Two key figures, Rajesh Khosla, the CEO of AGI Greenpac, and Adrian Curry, the chair of Glass Futures, shed light on the challenges and opportunities in transitioning towards a more circular glass economy

Toxic diethylene glycol (DEG) was substituted for safe solvents like propylene glycol for economic gain, with test results showing alarming concentrations, in one case 47% which is way beyond the acceptable limit (the global acceptable standard for DEG set by the WHO is 0.10%). This has amplified calls for the sector to urgently adopt the highest standards of good manufacturing practice (GMP), with a sharp focus on the final packaged product.

Chaitry Offset, with over 32 years of legacy in sweet box manufacturing, is a leading name in premium packaging solutions, diversifying into rigid boxes and other segments. Prabhat Prakash interacts with Team Chaitry during the CMPL show and tries to understand their approach to business

Austria, the Netherlands, the USA, the UK and the UAE are the top destinations for Indian mobile phone exports. In FY25, smartphone exports stood at USD-8.5 billion; the growth in the first half of FY26 is 60%.

The consumption of contaminated cough syrups has again raised questions about the quality and standards of drugs circulating in the market. CDSCO has implemented stricter export regulations for all Indian-made cough syrups, making it mandatory for exporters to have their products tested at government-approved laboratories before shipping.

The achievement follows a rigorous, two-and-a-half-year water assessment across the group's various business units in 30 locations across India, which include the mouth freshener division, food and beverage, hospitality, and agriculture.

The event is a critical nexus for the print and packaging industries, which are integral to the aesthetic and functional success of cosmetic products.

Most dairy groups have reduced prices of ghee and other dairy products following the GST revision (which kicked in from 22 September). In addition, dairy brands are proving that technology and a phased approach can secure product freshness, purity, and nutritional value over long transit distances.

The regional event dedicated entirely to plastics recycling will take place from 13-15 November 2025, at hall six of the Bombay Exhibition Centre, NESCO.

While most companies have acted swiftly to pass on the GST benefits to consumers, the rate changes created an immediate and substantial operational challenge for manufacturers.

This focus aligns with industry trends where packaging is recognised as the "silent salesman." Packaging and label aficionados have emphasised that true premiumisation is achieved through innovation in conversion techniques, the meticulous art of storytelling, and a deep commitment to sustainability.

The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MOFPI), in association with NIFTEM-Kundli, has developed a set of frequently asked questions (FAQs) to provide scientific clarity and public awareness about processed foods, particularly addressing misconceptions surrounding ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and high-fat, salt, and sugar (HFSS) foods.

The GPC is designed to expand production capabilities and showcase processes that meet the growing demand for efficient and sustainable food processing in the region.

IPMA cautions that the new GST rates will give an unfair advantage to importers of paper and paperboard.

The company’s primary objective is to deliver advanced camera-based quality inspection and end-to-end traceability solutions for the non-pharma packaging industry, empowering brands to safeguard their reputation, ensure product quality, and build lasting consumer trust.

This transition marks a significant moment for the fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) and consumer durables sectors, which are grappling with both logistical challenges and new opportunities.

The authorised organisations, all of which specialise in recycling PET, have been approved based on a thorough assessment of their processes.

This year's rating is a testament to the effectiveness of Siegwerk's sustainability agenda, HorizonNOW, and a notable 12-point improvement over its previous score.

The Jury Week of PrintWeek Awards 2025, held at Voltas Premises, in the Autocar Studio, from 9 to 11 September. On the third day, packaging stalwarts scrutinised samples such as rigid boxes, flexible packaging, labels, paper bags and more.

The integration of these tools into the Indian market signals a leap forward in packaging innovation, enabling brands to stay ahead in an increasingly complex and competitive retail landscape.

The PrintWeek Awards Jury Meet 2025, spanning three intensive days. The jury, composed of 31 prominent figures from the printing, publishing, design, and consumer goods and pharma sectors, lauded significant improvements in quality, innovative use of materials, and a growing emphasis on sustainable practices.

Sumeet Arora, senior vice president – marketing, Engineering Business, UFlex, highlighted the company’s strategic focus on maximising throughput while prioritising sustainability.

The printing and packaging industry faces an urgent, high-stakes operation to prevent market chaos as new stock with reduced tax burdens is set to arrive on retail shelves by 22 September.

Kukaram Chaudhary (52), a kirana store owner in suburban Mumbai, believes that standalone kirana shops will shut down. This will happen eventually. And at best, one or two shops in a locality may survive. If Chaudhary downs the shutters of his store, he plans to return to his village and start farming

The conversations sparked and the technologies showcased at Anuga FoodTec India 2025 will undoubtedly shape the future of packaging in the years to come.

These demonstrations emphasized CSPL’s ability to address the sector’s growing needs while maintaining alignment with stringent compliance standards.

This joint venture, named JDC Digiflex, aims to establish a network of digital flexo pre-press and plate-making units across metro cities and regions in India, while also focusing on digital equipment sales and services.

The cornerstone of Aim’s expansion is its commitment to adopting cutting-edge printing and converting technology.

PR Packagings is a 30-year-old firm specialising in printed primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging. Located on nine acres of land, and a team of 350 people, the company's turnover is INR 100-crore, with a CAGR of 8% to 10% pa. WhatPackaging? caught up with Vishesh Gupta, executive director of PR Packagings, to discuss the solar journey

Packaging major's UFlex's vertical integration and end-to-end expertise encompass material science, gravure/flexographic printing, lamination, holography, anti-counterfeiting solutions, and in-house PCR, under one roof

The brand has set up a co-packaging facility in Nalagarh in June, offering brands a single-serve format for food, beverage and cosmetics.

This approach emphasises the compounding impact of advanced polymers combined with Covestro's process expertise and application development capabilities, making materials catalysts for change in sustainable mobility, circular economy, and climate protection.

In terms of cost-effectiveness, Srivastava said, modern PU inks are cost-neutral compared to NC and PVC inks when considering factors such as lower GSM coverage and reduced solvent usage.

Team Thermocool says, the group is positioning itself as an innovative and exciting force in the home appliance sector.

Key insights include the application of PCR materials, with India mandating recycled materials in plastic packaging from April 2025, material innovation, reusable/refillable packaging, deposit return systems, advanced packaging waste management, and chemical recycling solutions.

This acquisition is a milestone in Siegwerk’s global growth strategy, extending its expertise beyond converters into paper mill and film manufacturing operations.

This strategic addition is expected to reduce lead times, improve quality, and decrease external dependencies for Rajoo Engineers.

UFlex's vertical integration and end-to-end expertise encompass material science, gravure/flexographic printing, lamination, holography, anti-counterfeiting solutions, and in-house PCR, all managed under one roof.